CIPS Certification Exam Guide — Format, Process & Expert Tips
Exam Format · Pass Marks · Registration · Online vs Centre · 98% Pass Rate
The CIPS certification exam is a globally recognised assessment by the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS). In Dubai, exams are available at approved test centres or via remote proctoring. Format varies by level: Levels 2-3 use 60-minute multiple-choice exams (70% pass mark); Level 4 uses 2-hour mixed exams; Levels 5-6 use 3-hour written response exams (50% pass mark). LISRC students achieve a 98% pass rate.
The CIPS certification exam is a globally recognised assessment by the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS), available in Dubai at approved test centres or via remote proctoring from home. The format changes by level: Levels 2-3 use 60-minute multiple-choice exams (70% pass mark), Level 4 uses a 2-hour mixed exam, and Levels 5-6 use 3-hour written-response exams (50% pass mark). LISRC students achieve a 98% pass rate.
CIPS exam format by level
CIPS exam formats become progressively more challenging as you advance, moving from objective multiple-choice questions at Levels 2-3 to written essay and case-study answers at Levels 5-6.
CIPS exam format, pass mark and duration by qualification level (per the LISRC CIPS exam guide)
| Level |
Exam type / mode |
Format |
Pass mark |
Duration |
| Levels 2-3 |
Computer-based |
Objective Response (Multiple Choice), 60 questions |
70% |
60 minutes |
| Level 4 |
Computer-based / Written |
Mixed (Multiple Choice + Short Answer), varies by module |
50-70% |
2 hours |
| Levels 5-6 |
Written exam |
Written Response (Essay / Case Study), scenario-based |
50% |
3 hours |
CIPS exam process (registration to results)
Booking and sitting a CIPS exam from Dubai follows six steps: register with CIPS, enrol in your modules, complete training, book your exam, sit it, and receive your results.
CIPS exam registration process, step by step
| Step |
Stage |
What happens |
| 1 |
Register with CIPS |
Create a CIPS student membership account at cips.org for access to study resources, syllabi and the exam booking portal. |
| 2 |
Enrol in your modules |
Select and enrol in the modules for your level; modules can be taken in any order, though the suggested sequence is recommended. |
| 3 |
Complete your training |
Attend tutor-led sessions, study the materials, complete mock exams and review past papers (LISRC students reach a 98% pass rate). |
| 4 |
Book your exam |
Book through the CIPS portal, choosing computer-based testing at an approved Dubai centre or a remote proctored exam from home. |
| 5 |
Take your exam |
Attend at the scheduled time with valid photo ID and any permitted materials. |
| 6 |
Receive your results |
Results are published to your CIPS account (typically 2-4 weeks for computer-based exams, 6-8 weeks for written assessments); successful candidates receive a digital certificate, and resits are available at the next window. |
Exams run across scheduled windows during the year (typically six sittings). CIPS membership and exam fees are paid directly to CIPS, and LISRC students receive exam-fee discounts; LISRC course fees are quoted per level on request.